Eric Edholm of NFL.com set out to predict the MVP this season for each AFC team. For the Indianapolis Colts, Edholm went a bit off-script, choosing running back Jonathan Taylor.
I say that Edholm went off script because, as we all know, the MVP is basically a quarterback award, and if Anthony Richardson can make a jump in his second season–which he’s in an ideal situation to do–his impact would likely make him the obvious MVP choice for the Colts.
Edholm noted that he didn’t want to get too quarterback-heavy with his selections, so he branched out where he thought it was prudent to do so. And in that regard, selecting Taylor as the Colts’ MVP does make sense.
“I have faith he’ll revert back to the production he put up in Years 1 and 2 of his pro career, when he was the Colts’ unquestioned workhorse,” wrote Edholm. “Last year’s contract drama is a distant memory, and he started looking healthier and more dynamic down the stretch in 2023.”
As Edholm notes, the recipe for a bounce-back season for Taylor certainly exists with his contract situation in order and him fully healthy this offseason, which has GM Chris Ballard believing that a “really big year” is in store for him.
Taylor appeared in 10 games last season, rushing for 741 yards and seven touchdowns, including a highly-impressive Week 18 performance against Houston, where he rushed for 188 yards at over 6.0 yards per attempt.
As Taylor told the media during OTAs, beginning the season injured in 2023 left him feeling like he was playing catch-up for the entire season rather than being able to maintain and building off of the foundation he laid.
Also contributing to what could be a big year for Taylor is that he will be sharing the backfield with Richardson, forming what should be a dynamic duo that can really stress defenses in Shane Steichen’s RPO-heavy offense. Taylor and Richardson were only on the field for two snaps together last season.
“To have Anthony and JT back there,” said offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, “JT has an extensive history with a lot of success, leading the league in rushing. Now we’ve got Anthony, where a defense, gosh, there may be that mesh on a run play and it’s JT going left and it’s Anthony going right, and as a defense, how do you defend that?
“You have two really explosive players that maybe have a chance to end up with the ball on a run play, how do you defend all that? It is exciting.”
The added playmaking at receiver with Adonai Mitchell, along with Josh Downs going into his second season, can help open up opportunities in the run game, with Taylor potentially facing more lighter boxes.
Having a strong run game to lean on can be a young quarterback’s best friend, so Taylor’s re-emergence will play an important factor in helping Richardson breakout in his second season.
“Just letting him know, at the end of the day, I have your back,” said Taylor on helping Richardson. “If you see something downfield, you want your quarterback to know you have time,” added Taylor. “Like at the end of the day, you have time. Whatever you’re seeing, whatever you want to do, I’m there with you.”